The Samsung Gear S2 Classic, released in 2015, represents a pivotal moment in smartwatch design, prioritizing a traditional aesthetic. The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, a more recent offering, focuses on modern features and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these two devices, examining how their differing approaches impact the user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the user prioritizing a classic aesthetic and established ecosystem, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic remains a viable, though aging, option. However, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2’s 10W wireless charging and likely more modern software support make it the superior choice for most users seeking a functional and future-proof smartwatch.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, August. Released 2015, October | 2025, September 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, September 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, cerramic bezzel, zirconium front case, ceramic back |
| Dimensions | 43.6 x 39.9 x 11.4 mm (1.72 x 1.57 x 0.45 in) | 48.5 x 48.5 x 12.9 mm - Black47.8 x 47.8 x 12.9 mm - Blue |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 42 g (1.48 oz) | 80.5 g (2.86 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 360 x 360 pixels (~302 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~310 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.2 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | Super AMOLED | LTPO2 AMOLED, 3500 nits (peak) |
| | Always-on display
Rotating bezel | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 | - |
| Chipset | Exynos 3250 Dual | - |
| GPU | Mali-400MP2 | - |
| OS | Tizen OS 2.3.2 | HarmonyOS 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | Unspecified |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature), X-TAP |
| | S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
MP3/M4A/AAC/WAV player
Photo viewer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Samsung Pay | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) | 10W wireless |
| Stand-by | Up to 48 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 867 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, 18K rose gold, Platinum, ceramic bracelet | Black, Blue |
| Models | SM-R720, SM-R732 | MCH-AL00 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | € 849.00 |
Samsung Gear S2 classic
- Iconic rotating bezel for intuitive navigation.
- Classic watch design appeals to traditional tastes.
- Wireless (Qi) charging was innovative for its time.
- Outdated processor limits performance.
- Likely limited software support and updates.
- Display technology is likely inferior to modern standards.
Huawei Watch Ultimate 2
- Faster 10W wireless charging for quicker power-ups.
- Likely benefits from a more powerful and efficient chipset.
- Modern software and potentially longer software support.
- Lacks the iconic rotating bezel of the Gear S2 Classic.
- May not appeal to users seeking a traditional watch aesthetic.
- Chipset details are unavailable.
Display Comparison
Information regarding the displays of both devices is unavailable. However, given the Gear S2 Classic’s release date, it likely features a Super AMOLED display, common for Samsung at the time, prioritizing vibrant colors. The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, being a newer device, likely benefits from advancements in display technology, potentially including higher resolutions and improved outdoor visibility. The lack of display specs makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Ultimate 2 likely has a more advanced panel.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specifications are unavailable. Smartwatches generally prioritize functionality over photographic prowess. It’s safe to assume any camera on either device is intended for quick, casual snapshots rather than high-quality photography.
Performance
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic is powered by the Exynos 3250 Dual, a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. This chipset, while adequate for basic smartwatch functions in 2015, is significantly less powerful than modern processors. The Huawei Watch Ultimate 2’s chipset is not specified, but as a flagship device, it almost certainly utilizes a more recent and powerful architecture. This translates to snappier app loading times and smoother animations on the Ultimate 2. The Exynos 3250’s age means it will struggle with demanding applications and future software updates.
Battery Life
The Samsung Gear S2 Classic supports wireless (Qi) charging, a forward-thinking feature for its time. However, the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 boasts 10W wireless charging, a significantly faster rate. While the Gear S2 Classic’s battery capacity is unknown, the Ultimate 2’s faster charging allows for quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The difference in charging wattage directly impacts user convenience, favoring the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Gear S2 Classic if you value a timeless, traditional watch design and are already invested in the Samsung ecosystem, accepting the limitations of older hardware and software. Buy the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 if you prioritize faster wireless charging, potentially longer software support, and a more contemporary smartwatch experience, even if it lacks the Gear S2’s iconic rotating bezel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Exynos 3250 in the Gear S2 Classic likely to struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the Exynos 3250 is a relatively old processor. While it could handle basic smartwatch functions when released, it will likely exhibit slowdowns and lag when running newer, more demanding applications. The limited processing power also impacts the responsiveness of the user interface.
❓ How does the 10W wireless charging on the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 compare to standard wireless charging?
10W wireless charging is considered relatively fast for smartwatches. It allows for a significantly quicker top-up compared to the slower wireless charging supported by the Samsung Gear S2 Classic. This means less time spent waiting for your watch to charge and more time using it.
❓ Will the Samsung Gear S2 Classic continue to receive software updates?
Given its age, the Samsung Gear S2 Classic is unlikely to receive significant software updates. Samsung has likely shifted its focus to newer smartwatch models, meaning the Gear S2 Classic may be limited to essential security patches, if any.
